Jean Szkotnicki, who was executive director of the Canadian Animal Health Institute for 29 years, has died. She was 70.
Her love of horses led her to major in animal science at the University of Guelph. Jean built a distinguished career from her degrees that included leading the Canadian Animal Health Institute and chairing industry boards such as the Canadian Animal Health Product Regulatory Advisory Board for Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
She received many accolades for her work including induction into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2017 and an Honorary Degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2022 for championing responsible use of antibiotics in animals.
The family would welcome donations to the Peter Szkotnicki Foundation which Jean and Bill set up to honour their son who died in 2019 when he was 23. The foundation supports youth mental health programs in Guelph and area.
